Milton Keynes charity leads tributes after death of ‘much-loved’ staff member
A Milton Keynes charity which provides opportunities for adults with support needs has led tributes following the death of its staff member Michael Wilkinson.
Phoenix Rising said it was ‘shocked at the distressing, devastating and terrible news’ of Michael’s death.
Mike, as he was known to friends and family, went under the name of Random Mike on his professional website, working as a fire performer, balloon modeller, stilt walker and entertainer for more than 20 years.
He was the subject of a missing persons appeal issued by Thames Valley Police on Monday June 8.
Police added that Mr Wilkinson’s death is being treated as unexplained but not suspicious, and a file was being passed to the coroner.
In a tribute posted on their Facebook page on June 11, Phoenix Rising said Michael brought ‘happiness and enjoyment’ to lives.
"Those of you who knew Mike will know what a much loved, extremely talented, enthusiastic and dedicated member of the Phoenix team he was and how enthusiastically he worked to bring happiness and enjoyment to our group members,” the charity said.
“Under his leadership, the Feelgood Friday sessions were an absolute joy to behold and all the group members absolutely adored him.
“All our heartfelt thoughts and condolences go out to Mike's wife and all his family.
“We will be talking about Mike's passing to group members on Friday, which was Mike's session.”
The charity’s staff profile page has also been amended to feature the tribute to Michael, who was aged 46.
The popular figure also worked as the music practitioner for Electric Umbrella, a Hertfordshire-based organisation which helps learning disabled and neurodivergent people improve their lives for music.
Electric Umbrella closed on Wednesday June 10 following Michael’s death, with the organisation describing him as ‘an important part of the Electric Umbrella team’.
A profile of Michael on its staff page reads: “The moment Mike walked into Electric Umbrella it felt like he had found a long lost piece of a puzzle.
“With extensive experience working with special educational needs and disabilities {children} and youth groups he is able to find connections and help students develop their confidence and abilities.
“Using a blend of music, art, theatre, circus, clown, mime, puppetry, costume, dance, meditation and storytelling Mike has been able to make lasting changes in those he has worked with and has found great joy in students’ development and achievements.”
Electric Umbrella has set up a GoFundMe page to help with the costs of Michael’s funeral, as well as immediate support for his wife Chloe.
Within 24 hours of being set up, the page has already raised more than £6,000.
Michael worked for the Macintyre charity, which supports children, young people and adults who have learning disabilities and autism, for more than six years, running music and dance sessions.
He was nominated three times for the Margery Newton Wright awards, as an outstanding frontline practitioner.
Electric Umbrella’s profile added that in his spare time Michael enjoyed creating leather crafts, puppets, props, costumes, watercolours and oil paintings.
Michael also founded Leighton Buzzard based ukelele band The Ukes of Buzzard, who posted on their Facebook page on June 10: “This week we lost our dear friend and Ukes of Buzzard founding member Mike Wilkinson.
“You were loved by so many, and will be sorely missed. There's a Mike-shaped hole in a lot of hearts.
“Our thoughts are with Chloe, his family, and friends.”
The Ukes of Buzzard met at The Black Lion pub in the town on Monday nights, and the pub posted its own tribute on its Facebook page writing: “We were deeply saddened to hear of the sudden passing of our friend and patron, Mike Wilkinson - Magic Mike.
“Mike became a huge part of the fabric of The Black Lion. He supported the pub from the very beginning,
"Whether it was bringing Monday nights with the Ukes to the pub, sharing a drink at the bar, or chatting into the early hours, Mike was always great company.
"His and Chloe’s support, friendship and generosity over the years has meant a great deal to us.
“The Black Lion won’t quite be the same without him. We’ll miss the conversations, the stories, the laughter, talent and that unique spark he brought.
“Our thoughts are with Mike’s family and friends.”